Distinguished school: Hillview wins title for record seventh time Distinguished school: Hillview wins title for record seventh time (April 27, 2005)

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

For the seventh time, Hillview Middle School in Menlo Park has been named by the state as a California Distinguished Middle School, a record for the number of times a school in the state has received this recognition, said Laura Rich, trustee in the Menlo Park City School District.

The school, with 658 students now enrolled, has received the award in 1986, l987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1999 and 2005.

Ms. Rich said she spent an hour on the Internet looking up the history of every distinguished school.

"There are two or three schools with five awards, but Hillview's the only one with seven," she reported.

The news was released April 19 by Jack O'Connell, state superintendent of public instruction, who reported that 192 public middle and high schools in California were chosen as 2005 California Distinguished Schools.

A delegation from Hillview will attend an awards ceremony and dinner May 20 at Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

Principal Mike Moore worked with teachers, parents and students in developing a 27-page detailed report in applying for the award. A team of educators visited Hillview earlier this month.

Information in the school's report says this about Hillview:

** The staff has developed an academic program that is rich, rigorous, and aligned with state standards. Learning experiences are active and student-centered with school-wide activities providing students with memories for the rest of their lives.

** Teachers consistently differentiate instruction to meet the needs of both gifted and challenged students.

** Parents support enrichment activities by raising ample funds for field trips, speakers, assemblies, books and instructional materials.

** Students are encouraged on a daily basis to take responsibility and make thoughtful, positive decisions.

Two other schools in San Mateo County -- Central Middle in the San Carlos district and Bowditch Middle School in the San Mateo-Foster City district -- also received the state recognition.

In 2002, Hillview was named one of the nation's "Blue Ribbon" middle schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

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